Public Smoking Ban In Jamaica: $50,000 Fine for First Offence

by Admin

No Smoking Sign

Jamaica has decided to ban smoking in public places effective July 15, 2013. There is a mixed reaction, but the decision is final and individuals who breach the regulations governing this ban could be fined up to a maximum of $500.00 and $50,000 or six months in prison for first offense. Health Minister Dr. Fenton Ferguson announced the ban in Parliament on Tuesday June 25, 2013.

It has been discovered that smoking increases the risk of lungs cancer. The kidney, bladder, throat as well as the mouth can also be affected by cancer due to smoking. It is recorded that cigarettes possess some fifty chemicals which can result in the development of various cancers.

Let it also be known that non smokers who are in the company of smokers are in danger of second hand smoke and may very well suffer the same fate as the smoker and this is the reason it is even more serious.

Sheryl Dennis, a legal officer at the Ministry of Health, reported that penalties will also be applied to the managers, owners and lessees of premises where these breaches occur. She also reported that fines could also be more than doubled for a second offense.

Health Minister Dr. Fenton Ferguson announced the upcoming ban in Parliament on Tuesday June 25, 2013.

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